Self Evaluation and Recognition Award (SERA)

The Self Evaluation and Recognition Award (SERA) is a way of helping all organisations and projects who work with children, young people and families to assess, review and evaluate their provision. It provides an opportunity for honest reflection and recognises achievements.

The SERA gives organisations an opportunity to assess their service once a year and once applications are submitted, will be moderated by a multi-agency group that is part of the Families First Board.

All organisations and projects are moderated on their own merit and on the specific work that they do, which makes sure that all organisations from a small play group to a statutory service have the potential of achieving a gold award.

The SERA asks organisations to tell us how they meet the needs of children, young people and families by demonstrating how their provision embeds the Families First Principles, and by doing this, shaping and contributing to the quality of the local Families First Programme.

We realise that organisations need to assess what works well for them and to make changes to enable improvement where necessary, whilst at the same time we understand that organisations need to be valued and recognised for the important work they already do.

Submitting your SERA

You can submit your SERA application online.

Alternatively, a paper version of the form and guidance notes are available to download below. Please send completed forms to the Families First Support Officer.

SERA Application (MS WORD 158KB)

SERA Guidance Notes (PDF 2.4MB)

SERA Application - Welsh Version (MS WORD 175KB)

SERA Guidance Notes - Welsh Version (PDF 2.4MB)

Application submission and moderation dates

Applications will be moderated by a multi-agency group that is part of the Families First Board. The process will involve applications being allocated to moderators who have expertise in particular fields. Applications will be marked following a strict marking criteria and awarded a bronze, silver or gold accordingly. All organisations and projects will be moderated on their own merit and on the specific work that they do, which will make sure that all organisations from a small play group to a statutory service have the potential of achieving a gold award.

Following the individual marking, moderators will meet to discuss applications and agree on levels awarded. Applicants will be contacted and informed of their award within one month following the submission date.

All organisations that submit an application will be invited to the award ceremony.

Current submission date is 20 March 2015.